The ‘Sacrificial Dress’ Chronicles of Kris – 07/17/09

Good Morning Mi Familia,
How are you? July is one of my favorite months and it's zooming on by just like the rest of 'em. I have to be careful not to wish the time away though, as I thought we were already in the 20s. Time for me to slow MY roll.

Although I made it home late Saturday night, I mentally lollygagged my way back to Jersey on Wednesday. As you can see, I've gotten back in a "no pattern" sleeping rhythm so who knows when I'm gonna get sleepy. But that's only a minute detail to a wonderful start to the 2nd half of the year. Despite losing my favorite dress, the trip to LA was a WIN. Because of the late planning and attempt to cut costs, I refused to reserve a hotel room. It just didn't make sense to spend money to shower and sleep and spend absolutely no time in my room. So my friend/chronicler Brandon (everyone say hi!) so graciously extended his apartment to me the night I got in while my writing partner La Shell (say hi again) reached out to her friends so that I could be accommodated for the rest of the week. However, when I touched down at LAX, my brother and sister were waiting outside for me. I knew they were supposed to take me to my rental car, but they asked "Ok, so what are your plans for tonight?" When I told them, I would be waiting for my friend to get off work, my sister just sped off down the freeway. Ooookkkk. Um, I guess I'm going back to THEIR house. I nervously texted between chatter until we got to their house. No rental car pick up (lol), we just drove...

When we arrived, I greeted their mother and minutes later, my father came through the door. He took me inside of one of the bedrooms and said that I was welcome to stay for the week. I was pretty surprised, but not terribly anxious about it. It was one of those calm, sedate "wow, that's great" kind of thankfulnesses. My brother gave up his room and I slept in there for the duration of the week. You know, prior to last week, I never once thought about staying there or what it would be like to experience my father's home life...and I never really fully considered having siblings. I mean, I've just always said I have half-siblings and a step-sister but really, we're not half-people so it is what it is. We're related by blood or extension or experience. Case closed (if you've reached this level of comfort - lol). As much as I didn't know what to expect, I'm sure they didn't know either but I was very grateful that all four of them opened their hearts to me. That was really a wonderful experience to see a different side of my father I had never been exposed to and to just be myself without having my guard up. I'm thankful for that time of laugher, of clowning, of fellowship, and I'm still shocked that everyone got up at 6:30am to see me off. Wow, that was really nice. So I'll see them again. Good times had by all.

The LA TV Fest brought me out to the West Coast but even if nothing pans out due directly to the festival, I left with so much more than professional experience. I did gain many contacts and pitch a show which was great. But the highlight (besides staying with my family) was meeting the Bythewoods. You all know I've been ranting and raving about this couple (writer/directors Gina and Reggie Bythewood) since they touched base with me in April. THEY ARE THE FREAKIN BOMB! It's one thing to respect someone's craft but it's another thing to meet them and gain respect for their essence and what they stand for as people. They were so gracious and interested in what I had to say to him, and all I kept thinking was, "Wow, I can't wait to be in their shoes, inspiring young talent behind me." They are so not Hollywood...and it has been awesome to just have people listen to me, respect my talent, and just say in so many words "We're watching you, young sister." I basically left their house screaming because it's no accident that I am being guided to such humble spirits, those who live and work to love, and work to love and live.

So yes, the angels wrapped themselves around my plane's wings when it was pouring down rain on July 7th (during the live MJ tribute that I was missing!) and I arrived and departed safely. The two-day festival was very informative and being a door monitor was tiring because I was standing for 12 hours straight. I changed my clothes for the pitch meetings and due to the excitement of the week, I didn't even realize the dress was gone until I was packing for my departure to Newark. I called the hotel but who'd leave a stunner like that over the bathroom door besides me?! :( Ahh well, a small price to pay for a wonderful adventure! This journey is a blessing, and I'm so thankful for those who have gone on before me, who stand beside me, and those who are coming behind me. Aaah yes, and of course Michael is moonwalking across the sky. :)

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With that said, PART 2 OF MY ONLINE RADIO INTERVIEW WITH BLOG TALK RADIO'S BEYOND THE BLING WILL BE THIS COMING TUESDAY, JULY 21ST AT
9PM EST. GO TO WWW.BLOGTALKRADIO.COM/BEYONDTHEBLING OR CALL IN AT 347-945-5306. YES, YOU CAN LISTEN IN VIA WEB OR PHONE.

Have a wonderful weekend...Keep smiling and shining...and hit an MJ tribute party just for me!

XOXO
Kris